Reviews

The Snow Goose and The Small Miracle by Paul Gallico

dinosaur_tank7's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

gabmc's review

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4.0

This was such a lovely story, recommended by my dad. The book actually contains two novellas. The title story is about a very special man and snow goose during WWII. I haven't seen the movie Dunkirk, but dad said that the movie has parts of this story. The second story is set in the town of Assisi - a young orphaned boy with a donkey called Violetta needs some very special help when Violetta becomes sick. Both stories re-affirmed all the good that humanity contains.

thomasfjdufresne's review

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emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

alonewolf's review

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emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

jon288's review

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4.0

I would have scored this a bit lower, but I read it while listening to Camel's Snow Goose, and it really added to the experience. A pretty story of a man's love for nature and courage at Dunkirk

mrsbdowning91's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

vishnu_'s review

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

anca_antoci's review

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5.0

I went into this book blind, with no knowledge of what it was about. Our Twitter book club picked it, thanks to Dave, and we delved right in. I didn’t know what to expect, but it did not disappoint. I wish it came with a warning, though, for the bittersweet ending. So consider yourself warned you might need some tissues on hand. I won’t talk much about the plot because there’s not much I can say without giving away spoilers. If you read the description from the back cover you get an idea.
The Snow Goose is a quick read, but it’ll tug at your heartstrings. Love, healing, and human connections are the main themes, and they’ll stick with you.

The backdrop of WWII in this novella makes you think about how war affects people. It’s a really good read. What sets “The Snow Goose” apart is its ability to be both accessible and profound, appealing to a broad spectrum of readers.

You’re initially drawn in by the melancholy, like a soft rain that stirs up a medley of feelings — there’s a touch of sadness, a sprinkle of hope, and a warmth of compassion.

You’ll be hooked on the characters’ experiences as the story goes on. You root for Philip Rhayader, with his gentle soul and the unconventional friendship he forms. You ache for Fritha, feeling her innocence and her devotion to the wounded snow goose.

The book brings the marshes and snow goose to life as characters. You’re swept away by the imagery, imagining the vastness of the marshlands and the beauty of the snow goose in flight. You can imagine feeling the breeze and hearing the birds.

Love, acceptance, and friendship are so relatable. You find yourself reflecting on your own life, relationships, and the importance of embracing imperfections. The snow goose is a sign of hope, reminding us that even those who are hurting can recover and thrive.

The end will leave you with a bittersweet song in your heart. You feel a mix of sorrow and comfort, like saying goodbye to a dear friend. You can’t shake the feeling. It makes you think about the beauty of human connections and the world.

In conclusion, “The Snow Goose” is a literary treasure that lingers in the mind, a touching exploration of love, compassion, and the resilience of the human spirit.

sjgrodsky's review

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5.0

A beautiful tale with the iconic characters and elegiac tone of a folk song. Beth Peck's illustrations perfectly complement the prose.

aliciagriggs's review

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5.0

A beautiful story.